Post by badchoices on Feb 7, 2013 18:24:02 GMT -8

FUCK YES! This news made my day even though it isn't a big bat that will help us win right now. I like that Felix is confident enough that it will get turned around in his prime because he does want to win. Now we just have to make that happen.

Post by Guest on Feb 11, 2013 7:31:06 GMT -8

Post by wonk on Feb 14, 2013 21:53:00 GMT -8

I wish there was a clever joke about the Oakland A's being the Oakland Platoons, but I can't think of it. I'm not sure what I think about the most recent trade, and CHUD, you have not voiced your opinion.

Part of me thinks Chris Carter is going to be Ryan Howard, but it's been a slow work in progress. Jed Lowrie is a nice get, regardless of if he stays healthy. I don't buy injured guys remain injured, so the price may have been low. I've thought for months the A's have a platoon and every position, and only need a lefty who can play SS and 3B to finish the product, and they did it. Trading away Carter nullifies the 1B platoon however, so the A's don't have a platoon at first unless I'm overlooking something.

I like the trade only because Lowrie's splits show he mashes while batting left handed (he is a switch hitter). I see him starting every game v. righties, between SS and 3B. Donaldson and Nakajima should man the left side v. lefties, and one of the two (most often Nakajima) will play v. righties.

I think I know why Seth Smith is still around. He mashes righties. Beane knows what he is doing. Platooning nearly everyone is the new Moneyball. He's doing what poor people need to do to win.

Speaking of Smith, did I watch a video of Rafael Soriano striking out Seth Smith on this board? Funny, the only Soriano v. Smith at bat I recall is when Smith hit a solo shot in the 9th inning which tied the game and lead to a four game sweep of the Yankees. EDIT: I think I saw it on ESPN actually, showing highlights when the Nationals signed Soriano.

Post by badchoices on Feb 18, 2013 15:11:38 GMT -8

I think it is hilarious how every year Mr. Baker goes on the airwaves reporting how the Mariners are mashing homeruns in batting practice. Riveting story and is obviously telling that we are going to be an offensive juggernaut.

Edit:At least it is baseball talk again. I was getting pretty tired of the Lance Armstrong/Manti/Sonics talk.

Post by badchoices on Feb 21, 2013 7:42:28 GMT -8

The excitement level is very high now. Watching Hot Stove in the mornings with my coffee. I think next year I might try and go to Spring Training for vacation. Last time that I went I was in 5th grade. Have you guys ever been?

Post by Guest on Feb 21, 2013 9:48:52 GMT -8

Have never been to spring training, but have always wanted to amke the trip. This year I have tentatively lined up a trip to Chicago to catch the A's and while there catch a game at Wrigley. I haven't been this excited for opening day since, well, last year.

Post by badchoices on Feb 21, 2013 9:59:56 GMT -8

Have never been to spring training, but have always wanted to amke the trip. This year I have tentatively lined up a trip to Chicago to catch the A's and while there catch a game at Wrigley. I haven't been this excited for opening day since, well, last year.

Going to Wrigley was such a fucking fantastic day for me. Pre-funking like a mother fucker and then having an Argentinian steak after the game. I must have gained 15 pounds that day. (If you want a good steak you should go to Tango Sur. It is near the park and way cheaper than the Chicago steak houses. There is a wine store right next to it and you BYOB. Excellent)

Post by Guest on Feb 21, 2013 10:30:22 GMT -8

I wish there was a clever joke about the Oakland A's being the Oakland Platoons, but I can't think of it.

Seriously. Melvin should have a fun time mixing and matching this season. Hopefully he and the players can find a rotation that works fluidly throughout the season. You'd hate to see the team struggle do to too many moving parts.

I'm not sure what I think about the most recent trade, and CHUD, you have not voiced your opinion.

I was instantly all in on the trade.

As much as I wanted to see Chris Carter turn into the next Ryan Howard (during his good years), I just got to the point where I doubted he would ever pan out. His ainability to play a single position that requires wearing either a glove or mitt and his inability to consistently make contact (38% k reate) made him expendable, in my mind.

The A's most glaring deficiency heading into 2013 was/is the middle infield. I recall that prior to taking a chance on Hiro, the A's had looked into Lowrie. Should Lowrie be able to stay healthy (he's yet to play 100 games in a season) he has the chance to be a solid and important member of the club. He showed some pop last year with 16 bombs in only 97 games. Yes he played in the bandbox that is Minute Maid Park, but his splits show that 7 of his HR's came on the road. I like his versatility and the depth he provides the infield.

Peacock struggled with command and probably projects as a reliever. Stassi, whom I liked (he's a northern cali product), was constantly battling injuries and was still a ways away from making it the the bigs, if ever.

Who knows, maybe Carter turns into a monster. I don't see it happening, but I doubt anyone predicted Brady Anderson would ever hit 50 HR's in a season (roids?), so you never know.

Post by wonk on Feb 21, 2013 22:11:16 GMT -8

I got behind in the baseball chat, and you know I usually respond to every comment because I love talking baseball and I'm opinionated, so here is a really long post nearly impossible to quote.. I've got the fever.

I think it is hilarious how every year Mr. Baker goes on the airwaves reporting how the Mariners are mashing homeruns in batting practice. Riveting story and is obviously telling that we are going to be an offensive juggernaut.

The Mariners are certainly going to be an interesting team to follow. I laugh at every move they make, and enjoy being in the same division as them. But seriously, what direction are they heading? I subscribe to the theory of rebuilding or going for it, and the Mariners are always right in between. I understand the King Felix extension, and it should be a value deal for them, but didn't the official signing get delayed because of issues with his arm? They were in no rush to sign him, and they got a slight discount, but holy shit is this going to be a memorable bad contract if he can't stay healthy. Yes, you can say that about every giant contract, but his arm has already raised issues, and I'd rather take a risk on a position player (even though Chavez completely fucked over the A's with his long term contract).

At least it is baseball talk again. I was getting pretty tired of the Lance Armstrong/Manti/Sonics talk.

I am a huge cycling fan, believe it or not, but I am so sick of the Lance Armstrong shit. Everyone was doping. I watched the last three of his titles, every night, and it was awesome television. Fuck getting screwed over for being the best.

It does bring up a point I've been meaning to post. Of the five most recent MLB players being accused of steroids, two are marginal middle relievers, and one led the NL in stolen bases last season. I'm still baffled how the media convinced everyone only the sluggers and power pitchers were juiced, when nearly everyone getting busted is neither. If you pretend Sabathia doesn't exist, by far the fattest pitcher in the league last year was busted for steroids (Bartolo Colon). Why does nobody get this?

Have never been to spring training, but have always wanted to amke the trip.

I love this time of year, but I've never had the drive to attend spring training. If it's costing me a plane ticket, I'd rather fly to Oakland, watch real games in April, and hang out with my homies. I get the drive, and I know it would be a much more intimate setting where you might get to meet some of the players, but I've never been a fan of fake games. I am also the exact opposite of star struck. I don't want to meet anyone I respect, because I know half of them will be assholes, and I have issues holding tiny grudges over stupid shit (only so I'm able to better deal with grudges over real shit). I still follow spring training like a mofo though.

This year I have tentatively lined up a trip to Chicago to catch the A's and while there catch a game at Wrigley. I haven't been this excited for opening day since, well, last year.

The dude I went to Fenway with last year is on board with traveling every year to see the A's. Unfortunately, he is somewhere between poor and nearly rich, so we didn't get to do the exact same Chicago trip you are planning (last summer). It was a plan for a month. It's not often the Cubs and Sox play on the same weekend in Chicago, so when the A's happen to be there, that's a trip worth making.

And yes, there's obviously the wrap around series if you want to take a bunch of time off work, but last year they played the same weekend, while the A's were there, and my buddy doesn't get much time of work (self-employed).

Going to Wrigley was such a fucking fantastic day for me. Pre-funking like a mother fucker and then having an Argentinian steak after the game. I must have gained 15 pounds that day. (If you want a good steak you should go to Tango Sur. It is near the park and way cheaper than the Chicago steak houses. There is a wine store right next to it and you BYOB. Excellent)

I've been to Wrigley, but I've never seen a game there. There is a bad-ass hot dog joint right down the street, and one of the more famous music venues (the Metro) is near there. I remember seeing Broken Social Scene at the Metro, then partying until about 5am, then getting my bro-friend to take a picture of me in front of the famous Wrigley sign. After experiencing the Fenway tour last year, I definitely want to do the same at Wrigley.

Post by badchoices on Feb 22, 2013 7:08:23 GMT -8

I think it is hilarious how every year Mr. Baker goes on the airwaves reporting how the Mariners are mashing homeruns in batting practice. Riveting story and is obviously telling that we are going to be an offensive juggernaut.

The Mariners are certainly going to be an interesting team to follow. I laugh at every move they make, and enjoy being in the same division as them. But seriously, what direction are they heading? I subscribe to the theory of rebuilding or going for it, and the Mariners are always right in between. I understand the King Felix extension, and it should be a value deal for them, but didn't the official signing get delayed because of issues with his arm? They were in no rush to sign him, and they got a slight discount, but holy shit is this going to be a memorable bad contract if he can't stay healthy. Yes, you can say that about every giant contract, but his arm has already raised issues, and I'd rather take a risk on a position player (even though Chavez completely fucked over the A's with his long term contract).

I love the King Felix extension. People were all worried about his velocity last year but he adapted and got even nastier. He is a smart pitcher. I think part of the reason he has lowered his velocity is to extend his career. It will be devastating if he does get injured but I will worry about that if it happens. For now I am going to enjoy having him as a Mariner and imagining Chud's face every time the King's Court is in session (you know you love it).

I like what the M's did this offseason. When I look at the projected lineup it seems like we will have more offensive production.

We have Bay and Ibanez on the bench, too. Smoak's future will be decided within the first couple of months I am guessing. There is no way Ackley has as disappointing of a season. Crossing my fingers for a healthy Franklin (this would be the biggest surprise).

We have had an increase in wins each of the last few seasons (even though we had so few to begin with). I think it will continue to increase and I am predicting at least .500 this year.